Lord of the Rings: The Musical (No Joke!) - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Bêthberry · 11-17-2005, 07:23 AM

Three songs from the stage production of The Lord of the Rings were performed recently at the World Travel Market in London. It's a bit of global theatre marketing, but here's a review which gives a bit of info about some of the production:

Selling a Ticket to Middle-earth

As a teaser, we are told that the Black Riders arrive by charging through the audience (on stilts) to reach the Shire on stage. Apparently there are CDs with samples of the music from the show. The score has been composed by the Finnish group Varttina and A.H. Rahman and arranged by Christopher Nightingale.

And the marketing wizards are no longer calling this a musical but "a stage adaptation" using music, drama and lavish spectacle.

Hilde Bracegirdle · 11-17-2005, 11:33 AM

I have been giving a lot of thought to making the trek up to Toronto to see this production, experiencing the same sort of curiosity that led me to the theater for FotR, a strange mixture of hope and dread. This is a bit different though.

It was just pure dread that governed until lately, for I can not imagine what a 'stage adaptation' would be like, and my initial reaction was, you've got to be joking. Perhaps they were just cashing in on the popularity of the movies. But last month, after a bit of exploration, and listening to samples of Varttina's music, a glimmer of hope is there. I think that they may have made an excellent choice, though Lalwendë, what you have said about producer concerns me.

At present I am planning to attend at some point next year, expecting the worst, of course, as I did with the movie. Hopefully, I will be similarly surprised by the effort. In any case, should I happen to see it before anyone gives their impression of it here, I will definitely let you know my thoughts.

Tigerlily Gamgee · 11-17-2005, 05:15 PM

If anyone is interested... The Gathering of the Fellowship (www.gatheringofthefellowship.org) is having a convention next July, and one of their ticket packages includes a ticket to the musical. That's how I'm going to see it.

Hilde Bracegirdle · 11-18-2005, 11:37 AM

Now there is a good idea! Interesting guest list too.

AbercrombieOfRohan · 11-29-2005, 05:37 PM

http://82.112.100.50/hosting/lotr/dv...ndex-flash.htm

This was just put up on the official website. It's little video about the behind the scenes and I admit, the costumes look fantastic and I'm sure the sets will be as well, considering they're designed by the same person. I'm not too sure about the music in the background though. It sounds a little bit too Lion King for my liking.

Himilsillion · 12-04-2005, 11:51 AM

That trailer looks great. I think this will be a very good production of LoTR. Plus anything put into music well is great.

Laitoste · 12-06-2005, 08:22 PM

I've spent some time (NOT working on my papers, like I ought to be) exploring the official website and it looks to be interesting, to say the least! My standards are different for theater than for movies, however. There won't be time to make frivolous additions, just major cuts. But, in a staged performance, just the main plot and the spirit of the book are necessary, which is what I'll be looking for. In that aspect, I have a lot of hope for this musical! If only I could feasibly get to Toronto...

11-17-2005, 05:15 PM	#3
Tigerlily Gamgee Hostess of Spirits Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Meduseld Posts: 1,055	If anyone is interested... The Gathering of the Fellowship (www.gatheringofthefellowship.org) is having a convention next July, and one of their ticket packages includes a ticket to the musical. That's how I'm going to see it. __________________ ~ ExerciseJunky.com (Hobbits fitness of choice!)~ ~Lady of Rohan: An Eowyn Fansite ~ ~The NEW/OLD Barrow Downs Photo Page~

12-04-2005, 11:51 AM	#6
Himilsillion Animated Skeleton Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: In Sweet Home Chicago Posts: 30	That trailer looks great. I think this will be a very good production of LoTR. Plus anything put into music well is great. __________________ Elwood: It's 106 miles to Chicago. We got a full tank of gas, half a pack of cigarettes; it's dark and we're wearing sunglasses. Jake: Hit it!

12-06-2005, 08:22 PM	#7
Laitoste Wight Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Behind the hills Posts: 164	I've spent some time (NOT working on my papers, like I ought to be) exploring the official website and it looks to be interesting, to say the least! My standards are different for theater than for movies, however. There won't be time to make frivolous additions, just major cuts. But, in a staged performance, just the main plot and the spirit of the book are necessary, which is what I'll be looking for. In that aspect, I have a lot of hope for this musical! If only I could feasibly get to Toronto... __________________ "If we're still alive in the morning, we'll know that we're not dead."~South Park

11-17-2005, 07:23 AM	#1
Bêthberry Cryptic Aura Join Date: May 2002 Posts: 6,003	Three songs from the stage production of The Lord of the Rings were performed recently at the World Travel Market in London. It's a bit of global theatre marketing, but here's a review which gives a bit of info about some of the production: Selling a Ticket to Middle-earth As a teaser, we are told that the Black Riders arrive by charging through the audience (on stilts) to reach the Shire on stage. Apparently there are CDs with samples of the music from the show. The score has been composed by the Finnish group Varttina and A.H. Rahman and arranged by Christopher Nightingale. And the marketing wizards are no longer calling this a musical but "a stage adaptation" using music, drama and lavish spectacle.

11-17-2005, 11:33 AM	#2
Hilde Bracegirdle Relic of Wandering Days Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: You'll See Perpetual Change. Posts: 1,480	I have been giving a lot of thought to making the trek up to Toronto to see this production, experiencing the same sort of curiosity that led me to the theater for FotR, a strange mixture of hope and dread. This is a bit different though. It was just pure dread that governed until lately, for I can not imagine what a 'stage adaptation' would be like, and my initial reaction was, you've got to be joking. Perhaps they were just cashing in on the popularity of the movies. But last month, after a bit of exploration, and listening to samples of Varttina's music, a glimmer of hope is there. I think that they may have made an excellent choice, though Lalwendë, what you have said about producer concerns me. At present I am planning to attend at some point next year, expecting the worst, of course, as I did with the movie. Hopefully, I will be similarly surprised by the effort. In any case, should I happen to see it before anyone gives their impression of it here, I will definitely let you know my thoughts.

11-18-2005, 11:37 AM	#4
Hilde Bracegirdle Relic of Wandering Days Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: You'll See Perpetual Change. Posts: 1,480	Now there is a good idea! Interesting guest list too.

11-29-2005, 05:37 PM	#5
AbercrombieOfRohan Shade of Carn Dûm Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 311	http://82.112.100.50/hosting/lotr/dv...ndex-flash.htm This was just put up on the official website. It's little video about the behind the scenes and I admit, the costumes look fantastic and I'm sure the sets will be as well, considering they're designed by the same person. I'm not too sure about the music in the background though. It sounds a little bit too Lion King for my liking.